This study researches the personality traits of personnel within the Norwegian Special Operations Forces (NORSOF). The primary objective of the study is to answer the research question, “What characterizes the personality traits of the personnel within NORSOF, and are there internal differences across the personnel categories?”

Initially the study provides an historical background of NORSOF, their principal tasks, Special Operation Forces (SOF) theory and the theory of personality traits. It is commonly accepted that personnel are a military unit’s most critical resource, and this holds especially true for SOF units. This study analyzes what makes personnel who conduct special operations so special, and if there are internal personality differences within NORSOF. Demographic and personality data were collected from different personnel categories in NORSOF, and five major personality traits are measured: Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional stability and Openness to experience. The data are subject to analysis of correlations, t-tests, variance and regression.

Compared to other groups, the study indicates that the NORSOF personnel score higher on the personality traits emotionally stable and conscientiousness. No significant differences are noted between the surveyed operators and the support personnel in the units. Interestingly, the study indicates that the support personnel in general are more alike than what the operators are. Furthermore, the study indicates that the officers in general have significantly higher scores on extraversion compared to the other ranks.

No significant differences are noted between the SOF units deriving from respectively the Norwegian Navy (NORNAVSOC - MJK) and the Norwegian Army (NORASOC - FSK). In this context, the operators seem more alike than the support personnel.

The personality traits of NORSOF personnel vary with increased age and experience. Older NORSOF personnel are indicated to be more emotionally stable and this variety was shown to be best explained by increased age. However, the negative variety in agreeableness was shown to be best explained by increased number of combat deployments per se. The explanations are indicated for NORSOF in general and the support personnel in particular. No explanations are found connected to age, experience and personality traits for the operators.